Shadow of War by J.D. Ruffin

Author:J.D. Ruffin [Ruffin, J. D.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: J. D. Ruffin

* * *

They chatted and rode for nearly eight hours, stopping only twice, before the first signs of life came into view. Rough crop rows now covered in a scattering of snow marked the beginning of farms surrounding the town’s perimeter. The day was cold but clear. Keelan squinted, hand shielding his eyes from the dying sun, as he tried to make out distant silhouettes moving across the snowy land.

“Looks like somebody’s spotted us. I think there are two people watching,” he said.

“Time to greet the locals. Jess, I think it’s best if you’re my granddaughter for the rest of this trip. We’re on our way back home, just outside Kitchton, alright?” Atikus said.

She nodded. “And who’s the big lug supposed to be?”

“Hey!”

Atikus grinned. “Keelan can be my son. So that’s Uncle Lug to you.”

“Don’t encourage her.” Keelan’s eyes grinned while his mouth scowled in mock indignation.

It took another fifteen minutes to reach the farmhouse and their onlookers. A man in a rough-spun shirt and dark, mud-caked pants waved an arm and hobbled in their direction.

“Ho there!” he called.

Atikus and Keelan shared a look, as if to ask, “You or me?”

Keelan shrugged and turned toward the approaching farmer, one palm up in friendly greeting.

As they came closer, Keelan relaxed at the man’s easy posture and even easier smile.

“We haven’t seen nobody come by since winter set in. Good to see you folks.” He looked from Atikus to Jess, then back up to Keelan, seemed to decide they were no threat, then asked, “What brings ya across my farm in all this cold?”

Atikus took the lead. “I’m takin’ these unruly kids home. It’s been a long trip an’ I’m ready to be warm again.”

“My old bones sure know what ya mean.” The old farmer grinned.

Keelan . . .

Keelan swayed in his saddle as his head swam.

Keelan, I need you. Help me!

Jess grabbed his arm to keep him upright on his horse, but Keelan pitched forward and struggled to remain conscious.

The farmer rushed over. “You alright, son? Let’s get you down from there.”

Jess hopped off Dittler and grabbed the reins of both horses while Atikus gingerly dismounted, his sore muscles straining against the cold. “Boy’s been having dizzy spells for a few days. I’m not sure what’s gotten into him.”

Keelan practically fell off his horse and into the farmer’s arms.

“Let’s get him inside. Young lady, why don’t you walk the horses to the barn over there.” He pointed across the lot to a small, well-kept wooden structure. “Don’t have stalls, but they’ll be alright for one night all together.”

Atikus winked at Jess as the Queen of Spires became a stable hand. He was stunned when each horse nuzzled her as she led them away. She hadn’t interacted with the other two animals much, but they took to her as though she’d raised them.

The farmer squeezed himself under one of Keelan’s arms, while Atikus did the same with the other. Together, they hobbled their way toward the house.

“Oof. He’s a solid one,” the farmer said.

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